FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 170
THE
CARVE ISSUE
IN THIS ISSUE: Micah Morris on how tools learned through sport can help navigate new challenges in this month’s Special Feature. Feature Artist Sam Sedlowsky on how carving out time for creativity can be an ‘art form of its own.’ Kerri Wall provides five last parenting tips in her 38th article with the Fernie Fix. Dr. Taina Turcasso discusses the health benefits of art for all ages in Family Wellness. FERNIEFIX.COM
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ELK VALLEY REALTY
EDITOR’S FIX p7
FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 170
THE CARVE ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURE p8 From Sport to School: Transferring Skills and Creating Space for Change by Micah Morris
BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY p10
THE
CARVE ISSUE
Business News Taking Care of Business – The Important vs. The Urgent by Brad Parsell
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT p14 Feature Artist – Sam Sedlowsky Musings of a Bookworm – Six Books to Carve-Load by Jessica Bozoky ArtBeat – Carving Out the Negative Space by Michael Hepher At Peace and Yet On Fire – The Only Surviving Human Species by Sadie Rosgen Rental Fix – Hillbilly Elegy by Andrew Vallance Events This Month
COMMUNITY p26 Feature Resident - Brian Bell by Krista Turcasso City Corner – Pandemic Blues by Ange Qualizza Planning Ahead – Carving Out a Life by Kerri Wall
RECREATION AND OUTDOOR LIFE p35 Kootenay Wanderings – The Last Day by Shona Rubens Hitting the Trails – A Breath of Fresh Air in Ridgemont by Julie Kelly
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE p37 Fumbling Forward – Multi-Tasking Success by Kate Richardson Family Wellness – Artfully Improving Your Health with Dr Taina Turcasso ND RM This is Life – Healthy Habits by Tyla Charbonneau
BITS AND BYTES p41 The Answer Guy – Turn a WRT54G into a Wireless Extender by Kevin McIsaac February 2021 Horoscope by Ashley Kristina The Social Page
FERNIE FUN p46 The Last Page COVER: Heel-side at Harvey’s Photo by Matt Couchman mcouchmanphoto.com THIS PAGE: Skier’s Perspective Photo by John Pelechosky pele-photocreations.com
We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada
Nous reconnaissons l’appui [financier] du gouvernement du Canada
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Contributors ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinephile nerd who currently lives on the west coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting. ANGE QUALIZZA is a nutty economist who has a passion for policy, governance and everything to do with municipal government! Let’s lift up the carpet and take a closer look inside City Hall.
KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material. MICAH MORRIS is currently a student at Camosun College, but in Fernie! She enjoys all that the mountains and this sweet town have to offer. Catch her at the ski hill for a lap or two.
ASHLEY KRISTINA has studied astrology for over twenty years and has been reading/teaching for five. For an in depth natal chart reading, email mountainashastrology@gmail.com.
MICHAEL HEPHER is a painter, printmaker, sculptor and musician living and working in Fernie. His work is collected internationally and can be seen at Clawhammer Press and a variety of galleries in Western Canada.
BRAD PARSELL is the manager of the Fernie Chamber and loves working with our local vibrant business community. He is also a music nerd with an ever-growing collection of records in his basement.
Every month SADIE ROSGEN teams up with some of Fernie’s brightest young writers collaborating on a given theme. If you are reading this and think that you are that person, drop her a line at sadiepumps@gmail.com.
JESSICA BOZOKY quit her editing job in Australia to chase the snow. Having settled in Fernie, she’s found herself at home surrounded by mountains (of books).
SHONA RUBENS is a science by day, adventure by weekend kinda gal. Calling Kimberley, BC home, she wonders and wanders in the natural world around her. Her background as an Olympic downhill skier keeps her searching for her next rush and thankfully the Kootenays have an eternal supply.
JULIE KELLY is the Manager for the Fernie Trails Alliance and loves spending time on the Fernie trails. KATE RICHARDSON is a physiotherapist and owner of Mountain Life Pilates. She is incurably fascinated by the human body and its movement, and has just recently embarked on her most epic case study to date – her own post-partum journey! KERRI WALL specialises in group facilitation, mediation, parent coaching, and leadership training. She welcomes inquiries at kerriwall.ca.
DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching babies, and is inching her way back to Fernie. TYLA CHARBONNEAU is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC2385), dog momma, and nature lover. She loves talking with others about mindfulness, selfcompassion, and human nature.
Editor’s Fix By Krista Turcasso, Editor IN January, I decided to remove the word ‘busy’ from my vocabulary. (Okay, I decided to try to remove it… it’s a work in progress.) Why, you might be asking. Well, I read an engaging article in the Harvard Business Review about happiness* and this point specifically spoke to me: “Letting go of the word busy is the first step toward owning your actions and explaining them with intentionality.” Yes! I thought. The commitments in our lives are our choices and recognizing that they are important to us and how we choose to invest our time is key to it being a positive and not a negative… and not just for the individual! By making this distinction, our kids, partners, friends, coworkers and extended family learn more about the what and why and respect our decisions. It also makes it clear when we should say ‘no.’ I’ve taken stock of the commitments in my life. The things I carve out time for. And while there is definitely some finetuning needed (I think there will always be) it makes me grateful. For the littles and the loves in my life. The adventures. The business we’ve created. The organizations and people I get to work with. And guess what? That makes me happy. * “What You Were Taught About ‘Happiness’ Isn’t True” by Penny Locaso, HBR
FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 361A 1st Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 | clarismedia.com Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Kevin McIsaac All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.
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THE CARVE ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURE
From Sport to School: Transferring Skills and Creating Space for Change by MICAH MORRIS I completed my first semester of college this past fall from home here in Fernie. Initially, it felt like a daunting task. I realize now that it allowed me to learn independently and problem solve without resorting to immediate assistance from classmates or asking for help from professors as soon as I felt challenged. Learning alone forced me to do my research, organize my thoughts, and spend the time to find a solution. As I reflect on my online learning experience and balancing productivity, rest, and health, I examine how I’ve used sport to navigate going back to school (which does mean ditching class to get a few laps in at the ski hill). Playing and competing in sports gave me the tools to set achievable goals for my athletic and physical life. Setting goals for my academic and mental life felt like an entirely different beast. I could imagine the destination I wanted to achieve in my future self but could not visualize the process. I was speaking to a former Olympic athlete recently about our learning experiences. We talked about the challenges we faced with finding the confidence to believe in our academic abilities. It was strange that in so many parts of our lives, we had the confidence and strength in our physical and mental self because of sport, but we felt challenged to accept and use this confidence when facing academic ventures. The question was how to divert this energy. In my first week of classes, I had an entire lesson dedicated to common behaviors of procrastination and some tools to prevent or slow the symptoms. I found many of
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the tools I learned from sport to combat nerves or push myself to become stronger related to how I approached my classes. I would write five-year goal plans in ski racing or set a timer to persist through a challenging workout. Some of the solutions for school was to write a goal list for the week and complete the most challenging task first or at least start it! Another example was to set a timer for a block of time to focus. I began with 15min work times and 5min break times, slowly working my way up to longer times. Finally, my own rule because my phone is not my friend. I started to leave my phone in a different room to avoid the inevitable distraction. Establishing a daily routine to guide my day was also helpful, even if it just meant waking up at the same time every day. I hadn’t written a formal essay or completed an assignment in almost four years, and I felt afraid that I might not be able to do it, dreading just even starting. I began to tell myself this mantra, “I can do hard things.” Surprisingly, I began to believe it. With each new assignment completed, I realized that I must surely be capable of the next project. This process took time to evolve as I was relearning to learn. Ultimately, for me, it is about patience. Even though I know there will be more hurdles, I realize that the tools to overcome them are available as long as I am patient enough to persist through the process. As I strive to carve out more time to grow and learn, I will always find time to carve turns on my skis as much as possible, and I hope you do too!
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Business in the Valley
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NEW BUSINESS
Drift + Sonder 672D 2nd Ave REFILLER Up! Drift + Sonder doors are open and ready to serve! Fernie’s newest Lifestyle Shop and Refillery has a gorgeous selection of well-considered goods for the curious and conscious shopper. Their mission is to support the community by providing thoughtfully produced goods and essentials that are of great quality and go the distance. Owners and sisters, Aysha and Joanna, wanted to create a space which provides daily essentials and the ability to refill these items in the shop; the shelves are stocked with quality soaps, cleaners and personal care products to support your everyday life. They also offer lifestyle and wellness products which encourage us to use less, consider more and feel good in the process. Drift + Sonder is filled with lust worthy products you’ll love for a lifetime; wellness tools and potions to keep you ticking and gorgeous gifts for everyone! Follow along @driftandsonder / driftandsonder.com.
BUSINESS NEWS
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Fernie Brewing Co. 26 Manitou Rd 250-423-7797 CAN’T be with your special someone? Got your eye on the pizza delivery guy? Want to enjoy a virtual cheers with your crew? Fernie Brewing Co. can help you share a little love this Valentine’s Day. For one time only, FBC is offering free, local delivery on Sunday February 14. Simply pick from a variety of customizable gift baskets online, ranging from $15 and up. Whether you’re looking for “Love On a Budget,” want to say, “You’re Really Buff,” hoping to be “Just the Toque of Us,” or want to show some “Real Huckin’ Love,” FBC has got you covered. Orders must be placed by Friday February 12 at noon, for delivery on Sunday February 14. Free Delivery available from Hosmer to the Ski Hill. Gift Baskets are also available for pick up, on FBC Fly-By. Head to shop.ferniebrewing.com to place your order, now!
NEW BUSINESS
Flow Psychology flowpsych.ca 778-963-0075 LINDSAY Day, Fernie’s new Registered Clinical Counsellor, is excited to be offering individual and couples counselling sessions. Throughout Lindsay’s clinical experience, she has found that problems come up when people are living out of step with their values. Problems also arise when people have had difficult life experiences that shape their beliefs about themselves, others and the world. Often, people develop coping strategies to help manage their lives, but these coping strategies can cause more harm than help. Lindsay helps her clients examine belief systems that no longer work for them, build new skills and coping strategies, all while leveraging their natural strengths. She helps her clients clarify their values and how they can live in line with them.
Business in the Valley
BUSINESS NEWS ION
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NEW BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Zyia Active Wear – Elk Valley
Foundational Elements 250-423-1315
FOUNDATIONAL Elements is a new LOCAL resident, Katya Choroszewski, is counselling service in Fernie, owned by excited to announce that she is selling Zyia Sherry Bylsma, a professional counsellor Active wear to the Elk Valley (and beyond!). who provides service to individuals in the She loves helping people feel confident and Elk Valley. happy in their clothing (whether it is for workouts, the office or around town) and Qualified to work with clients dealing with takes the time to help someone choose the anxiety, depression, motivational issues, loss, best pieces for them. grief, and other experiences, Sherry has a comprehensive education as a graduate Zyia is known for its high quality and of the Kelowna College of Professional comfortable clothing that both looks and Counsellors, combined with practical feels good. There is clothing for women, knowledge as well as gained life experience. men, and kids! Katya’s favourites that she recommends are the magic Light n Sherry approaches counselling with Tight leggings (lovely and compressive), a philosophical slant, applying the the stretchy yet tapered and presentable examination of ideas and values in order Unwind joggers, or the cozy Oh So Soft for clients to question, explore, and discover hoodie. their own personal theories and truths. This is combined with evidence-based You can contact Katya techniques, such as Cognitive/Behavioural, at zyiaactivewithkatya@gmail.com or Integrative, Existential, and Solutionfollow her page or VIP group on Facebook Focused therapies. (search Connect: Zyia Active with Katya Independent Rep). Foundational Elements offers in-office services as well as outdoor Walk-and-Talk sessions. Get in touch by calling, emailing foundationalelements21@gmail.com or direct messaging through the Facebook group Foundational Elements.
Natureplay - STEM - Mindfulness - Phonics A professional School readiness program Alissa.fernieprep@gmail.com www.fernieschoolagedcare.org 250-430-3155
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Business in the Valley
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
The Important vs. The Urgent by BRAD PARSELL A colleague of mine many years ago introduced me to the well-known saying, “don’t let the urgent get in the way of the important.” I think about it all the time. Like a lot of these well-used quotes its origins are a little murky, but it is regularly attributed to former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. During a speech at a university campus in Illinois in 1954 Eisenhower is reported to have said, “I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” So how does this relate to running a small business? Every day we come to work, and our first inclination is always to address the urgent tasks requiring our immediate attention: I must cut a cheque to this vendor for that bill, I need to call this person back, I need to get this online order in the post, I must respond to this avalanche of unread emails clogging my inbox, I need to make this advertising deadline, etc. These urgent tasks never stop coming down the pipeline at us in small businesses. But then there are the important things, the big picture ideas, the “rainy day” tasks scribbled down in a notebook that we never seem to find the time to address: I need to setup my shop online with an e-commerce platform, I want to look at the feasibility of expanding into this product line, I need to create that training manual, I would like to finally rebrand my business, I want to be more strategic with my team’s professional development, etc. These are the important tasks that always seem to get sidelined because they are not urgent and have no deadline. They are also the exact same important tasks that are going to take your business to the next level and ensure your future success.
Vince Mo Photo
“Ask yourself – what are the most important things that are actually going to grow my business in 2021? Identify those and then schedule regular quality time in your calendar to address them while drowning out some of the noise. “ As business managers or owners, we must find a way to carve out time for the important over the urgent – now more than ever. Believe me as someone whose
time is constantly pulled in a thousand different directions by the urgent needs of the day, finding time for the important is a concept much easier said than done. The way that works for me is deliberately creating time in my calendar for the important. I am not worried about the urgent with my time management – I know I will get to those as they typically have deadlines. But having a standing time carved out each week in my calendar for those important tasks that I never otherwise find the time for has worked for me. Ask yourself – what are the most important things that are actually going to grow my business in 2021? Identify those and then schedule regular quality time in your calendar to address them while drowning out some of the noise.Your bottom line will thank you for it.
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Arts and Entertainment
FEATURE ARTIST
Sam Sedlowsky When my husband Murray and I moved to Fernie eight years ago with our son Jack, looking for a change from the fastpaced intense corporate life we had in Calgary, I brought with me a love for lots of creative pursuits, from interior design to crafts, but I had never really landed on one artistic form of expression. Life in Fernie presented me with so many opportunities to get involved and so many things to do that I eventually began to feel overwhelmed – something I dislike – but also was loving the life that my family and I had created for ourselves
here. I knew I needed to start carving out time for myself and to let go of some things, but with so much to do, and so many important things competing for my attention, I didn’t know how to do that. Then, in the winter of 2018, hoping to help my mom get out of the house more, I joined the Fernie Quilt Guild with her, even though I’d never sewn a quilt before. That first workshop taught me many things. For instance, I learned I can’t sew in straight lines, much less keep an even seam allowance, so traditional quilt
patterns weren’t for me. I also learned I love collage quilting. It’s like paper collage I loved as a kid, but a lot less messy. I’d been exposed to art quilting through a good friend and incredible fibre artist, Alison Cowitz (onestraypin. com) and she’d been encouraging me for years and now something finally clicked. Choosing textures and colours and finding just the perfect fabric for a piece scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I sold my first piece in the Christmas 2019 group show at the Arts Station
where all pieces were eight inches square. The group show offered me a really wonderful, unintimidating way to put myself out there. This first show was also where I learned that I love working on little things, even though it means putting on magnifying glasses to work. I’ve been exploring that format ever since. But now I had to find time for sewing as well... Queue the pandemic and suddenly my plate cleared of everything but work (fortunately) and family. Although it left me feeling a bit untethered and lost, the
pandemic also gave me the gift of the space to reflect and understand what I need for myself and my artistic expression. What started as hobby now has me prepping for my first solo show at the Arts Station starting February 25. It will give me a chance to understand what people like and don’t like and I’m looking forward to the critical feedback. I’ve also had fun creating some short videos to help describe what I do and the different styles of quilt work that will be available online as well as in the gallery.
I’m still busy, but it’s a different kind of busy. The pandemic has brought with it so many challenges and difficulties, but it also brought opportunity. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during this time, but carving out time for creativity and the important things in life can be an art form on its own. A huge thank you to the Fernie & District Arts Council and everyone at the Fernie Arts Station for creating space, support, and opportunity for emerging artists.
You can follow Sam long her artistic journey on Instagram @sam_sedlowsky_ art.
Now Open! 672 D 2nd Avenue • 250-423-1132 • 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm driftandsonder.com • @driftandsonder
Celebrating Griz Days March 5–7, 2021 Teck is proud to support Fernie’s Winter Festival. We hope you safely enjoy the family-friendly festivities throughout the Elk Valley. For a full *schedule of activities visit FernieGrizDays.com. *Schedule subject to change depending on COVID-19 restrictions.
www.teck.com
Arts and Entertainment
MUSINGS OF A BOOKWORM
Six Books to Carve-Load by JESSICA BOZOKY CARVING it up is the practice of going after what you want with absolute. It can also be the simple task of carving out time for your passion. Fernie is a diverse little town, unique not only in its surroundings but its people, community and mind-set. We’re here because we want to be here, because the mountains offer us a spark, and to each this spark is distinct. This spark swims in our minds, sizzles in our body and invigorates our soul. The library is a great place to ignite your spark and fuel its growth. Delve into your child-like curiosity and ask questions. Explore far-off topics, approaches, and theories, take nuggets of information from all of them and build your own way. If you need a little nudge, here are a few suggestions from the library staff on books we’ve found the inspiration to carve out time in our lives for the things that are important to us.
Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert Embrace curiosity by uncovering the ‘strange jewel’ within you. Gilbert’s no BS attitude cuts away melodrama and unrealistic ideas of what living creatively is, shining light on the attitudes, approaches and habits required to live a creative life.
Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth Colonel Chris Hadfield You may change the way you view life on our pale blue dot after reading the success (and survival) of Col. Hadfield. Full of adrenaline-pumping and counterintuitive lessons, his stories show sometimesconventional wisdom can hinder achievement.
Illustration By Pruthvi Harshan | Visit ferniefix.com to print the illustration to colour
Wild - Cheryl Strayed Strayed’s story screams ‘go for gusto.‘ After losing everything and everyone in her life, she is driven by blind will to venture on a solo trek of a lifetime - with no experience. A riveting story overcoming loss, pain, and failures, and carving out a stronger identity.
Keep Moving - Maggie Smith For anyone who’s been through a difficult time and is wondering ‘what next?’ Full of moving quotes and essays, this book celebrates beauty and strength on the other side of loss, and seeing new beginnings as opportunities for transformation.
Lean Out - Tara Henley Connecting the dots between anxiety and overworking, Henley’s story is part memoir, part travelogue and part
investigation. Leaning out of the stresses of the twenty-first century, Henley moves away from the connected lifestyle to the fringes where people are reclaiming their lives (and retiring early!).
Oh, The Places You’ll Go - Dr. Seuss You’re never too young to learn about seizing opportunity and you’re never too old for Dr. Seuss. Collect the nuggets that speak to you, build your own way, engage, create and CARVE.
Share The Nuggets In January we asked you to read a little more, and we’d love to see how you’re going. Catch us up with your current reads and let us know what nuggets of information you gleaned from them (you learn something from every book!). #fhlbookchallenge
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Did you know?
You can book a day with FWA Catskiing. Safety protocols in place. Maximum 6 per cat or book a private cat for your household! Photo: Leslie Prentice
Support & Shop Local. Have a Fernie Staycation.
Shop locally and support local sustainability for the long-term. Be a tourist in your own town. Enjoy dine-in or take-out from cafÊs and restaurants. Buy a gift certificate for someone special. Book the spa or a guided day of resort skiing, snowmobiling or catskiing. Enjoy the many activities during this spectacular time of year. Let’s all Support Local this Winter!
Be Kind. Be Safe. Follow COVID Health Directives. tourismfernie.com | ferniestrong.com | #ferniestoke | #supportlocal
Arts and Entertainment
ARTBEAT
Carving Out the Negative Space by MICHAEL HEPHER AS long as I can remember I’ve been drawing. The tools are simple, inexpensive and portable which made it easy to practice through a variety of life’s stages. Drawing is an additive process, meaning you continue to add lines to something until it is a recognizable form. It’s like taking bits of clay and sticking them together lump by lump until your sculpture is finished. Drawing is a very handy, quick way of getting an idea down on paper. It’s familiar and predictable. It allows me to build worlds and ideas in a linear fashion.
costumes I try on and discard in a month or two. They are linear and appeal to me because I understand how a concrete action might connect me to some kind of growth. From exercise streaks to a revolving door of hobbies, I have been known to sample from a wide variety of activities, but I’ve noticed that the truly dramatic changes come under heavy pressure from external forces in my life. Like block printing I need to think about it backwards: it is only under strain that I eliminate the things I no longer need.
In contrast, block printing is subtractive. The artist removes the material they don’t want printed and the printing surface remains untouched. In that sense it is more akin to stone carving, in which material is removed until the form within is shown. As Michaelangelo said, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”
It is this subtractive work that sculpts us from kids to young people to healthy adults. Curiosity gets us into all sorts of trouble, but maturity helps us carve away the vestiges and unnecessary bits until a functioning human emerges. My partner Anie always says, “that will work for you until suddenly it doesn’t anymore” - a sentiment that echoes this work of removal. In life, as in art, a moment of inspiration leads us to carve away a bad coping mechanism or toxic relationship—we thought it was working but suddenly we see things in a new light.
The moment I got my printing press I started experimenting with block printing and discovered that my confidence with the pencil didn’t help me to create successful prints. Eventually I realized that I had been approaching printmaking backwards: I had been trying to build lines in a familiar way like my drawings, when really what I had to do was exchange my positive space for negative space and my lines for shapes. Once I started thinking about my block like a sculpture, the real power of block printing started to emerge—dramatic contrasts and unexpected shapes working together to create a compelling composition. I carve away some bits and leave others. I roll on the ink and lay on the paper and force it all through the press—and the end result is almost always as satisfying as it is startling.
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“In life, as in art, a moment of inspiration leads us to carve away a bad coping mechanism or toxic relationship—we thought it was working but suddenly we see things in a new light.” In his 1891 work; The Decay of Lying, Oscar Wilde suggested that “life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” Art affects the way we see the world around us, which in turn affects the course of our lives. The fog in London, he postulates, has always been there—but its ethereal beauty wasn’t appreciated until the poets and painters represented it in a positive way. Similarly, my own art has become a metaphor to me about my own selfimprovement. I can strive to make positive changes or try on new activities and processes, but often they feel like different
In many ways this past year has felt like a giant printing press: we are being stressed beyond what we thought we could bear. It’s at these moments we have choices to make—hard choices—to shed the weight and move forward when the temptation is to distract ourselves and stay put. There is no timeline on any of this, of course: good things take good time. If we choose to move we can expect some pain because the process of uncovering involves sharp objects and lots of pressure. Take comfort knowing that inside all of us is a beautiful sculpture or a compelling print waiting to be uncovered. The end result is always startlingly satisfying. FERNIEFIX.COM FERNIEFIX.COM
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CARVE YOUR OWN NATURAL
Life is an art. As we grow as artists, we learn to carve the life we love, finding the ingredients that work best for each of us.
YOUR LOCAL CANNaBIS STORE 502-a 8th Avenue Fernie, BC
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We Want to Hear From You. Elk Valley Hospice is shifting and changing just like everyone else during these times. We would like your input on what services you would like to see us provide to the communities of the Elk Valley. Please send your thoughts via email to elkvalleyhospice@gmail.com, or via regular mail to Elk Valley Hospice, Box 670, Fernie, BC V0B1M0
Arts and Entertainment
The Only Surviving Human Species by SADIE ROSGEN
“To the extinct, the lost and the forgotten. Everything that comes together is bound to be dissolved.”-Yuval Noah Harari “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”Aristotle Lately my mind has been drifting back to the past, no doubt to elude the convoluted present. The ancient past when homo sapien came out on top and managed to survive conditions and situations we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.To think that we have eclipsed the boundaries of our planet, witnessed massive cultural, industrial, and social revolutions only to continue to be tasked with our own survival. It’s a lot. It’s also easier than it was before, or is it? In our Carve issue, I instantly manifested etchings on stone, proof that we were here and are still here. Cave song and firelight became the tinder that lit my imagination in order to pay tribute to those who suffered before us and will, no doubt, suffer long after we are gone.
AT PEACE AND YET ON FIRE
The Only Surviving Human Species by SADIE ROSGEN
SAPIEN Thirty Thousand Years Ago It’s life... or death. Man vs. Earth in the scathing belly of the wide open universe upright and breathing the star’s magic dust peppers the northern lights snow show the fire making wonder commences a song of our stories some glory, largely famine and disease anthropological super fantasy carried by the melody of bodies mixed pigment of many shades migration damnation population saturation but it’s not the same anymore: our oneness our tongues our undoness resting in the softest part of our mouths knowing those songs and stories forgetting that we’ve been here this long sunset sunrise the same wind gusting that penetrates us still
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
THE RENTAL FIX
Hillbilly Elegy by ANDREW VALLANCE IN 2016 Neo-Fascist con man Donald J. Trump became President of the United States. The American media establishment, aghast at the fact that such an amoral, incompetent man had become commander-in-chief, cast about for an explanation as to why the far right had gained so much traction within American political discourse. The man they thought could explain the phenomenon was J.D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy.
The characters, even the one played by Close, come across as overwrought cartoonish caricatures. The movie is in large part ugly, nasty and dark, with what remains being equal parts melodramatic and saccharine, with nothing interesting to say on the subject of intergenerational impoverishment besides insisting that America’s white underclass needs tough love and should pull itself up by its own bootstraps.
The book is about Vance’s childhood in Middleton, Ohio. He grew up poor, but managed to escape poverty, attend Yale and become a lawyer.Vance blames hillbilly culture and its supposed deficiencies for creating the problems faced by economically underprivileged whites. He also consistently blames his family for not assuming responsibility for their actions. He does not, however, discuss the role that racism played in Trump’s rise to power.
J. D.Vance will probably love this movie, but I would advise you to give it a miss. Skip it and go watch Winter’s Bone again.
Hillbilly Elegy became insanely popular, as the public grasped for some understanding of what was happening to their democracy, rising to the top of the New York Times’ best seller list, and cementing J.D.Vance’s reputation as an “expert” on white poverty. Huge bestsellers tend to get adapted for the big screen, so it is no surprise that Netflix did just that. On November 11, 2020, Netflix released a film based on Hillbilly Elegy. It stars Glenn Close and Amy Adams as Vance’s grandmother and mother. This film is also directed by the very talented Ron Howard. Howard has a long, impressive history directing and producing such standouts as Willow (1988) and Backdraft (1991), and he gained widespread praise for Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001) and
Frost/Nixon (2008). He received Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for A Beautiful Mind and was nominated again for the same awards for Frost/Nixon. Glenn Close worked mainly on the New York stage until the early 1980s, winning a Tony Award for her role in The Real Thing (1983). She went on to establish herself a Hollywood leading lady with outstanding roles in The Fatal Attraction (1987) and Dangerous Liaisons (1988), both earning her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She received two additional Best Actress nominations for Albert Nobbs (2011) and The Wife (2017), winning a Golden Globe Award for the latter. Amy Adams had her first film success in Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can (2002), and this was followed by roles in a variety of films including Enchanted (2007), The Master (2012), American Hustle (2013) and Arrival (2016). She has won two Golden Globes and has been nominated for six Academy Awards. Looking at the talent involved in this film, we would expect an impressive production. But alas, the film is a disappointment.
Y A M A G O Y A FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
EVENT CALENDAR
MONTHLY EVENTS Monday 1.2.2021 Gallery 2021 Call For Entry Deadline @ The Arts Station Friday 5.2.2021 Walkie Talkie Book Club: Bit Magic by Elizabeth Gilvert @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1pm Saturday 6.2.2021 Advanced Snowmobile Riding Clinic @ Elk Valley Snow Shepherds Sunday 7.2.2021 Advanced Snowmobile Riding Clinic @ Elk Valley Snow Shepherds Mala Meditation Beads Workshop @ Fearless Inukshuk Thursday 11.2.2021 An Afternoon of Mystery @ Fernie Heritage Library, 4pm on zoom ages 10-12
Friday 12.2.2021 I Got You Babe Storytime Social @ Fernie Heritage Library, 10:30am Instagram live Virtual Family Day Scavenger Hunt @ Fernie Alpine Resort Saturday 13.2.2021 Virtual Family Day Scavenger Hunt @ Fernie Alpine Resort Sunday 14.2.2021 Virtual Family Day Scavenger Hunt @ Fernie Alpine Resort Monday 15.2.2021 Family Day @ British Columbia Wednesday 24.2.2021 KFL Read Local Book Club: Blue Sky by Bruce Kirkby @ Fernie Heritage Library Virtual
Thursday 25.2.2021 KFL Teen Book Club: Tasha-Spillet Sumner: Surviving the City @ Fernie Heritage Library Virtual Friday 26.2.2021 Club Cre8 No School Friday @ The Arts Station Tea and Talk Book Club: The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh @ Fernie Heritage Library Virtual, 1:30pm on Zoom Raging Elk Virtual Kinky Rail Jam Series @ Fernie Alpine Resort Saturday 27.2.2021 Keep Calm and Stay Cozy Adult Craft Kit @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2pm; Pick up kit the week prior Raging Elk Virtual Kinky Rail Jam Series @ Fernie Alpine Resort Sunday 28.2.2021 Raging Elk Virtual Kinky Rail Jam Series @ Fernie Alpine Resort
WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Parent-tot Funtimes @ Facebook Page Les Tiguidous – Virtual activities with songs, stories or manual hands-on in French ages 0-5 @ AFRos Fernie, 10am Le Club Baguette Junior @ AFRos Fernie, art activities and games in French ages 7 and up on zoom, 3:30-4:30pm Tuesdays Baby Goose @ Zoom, 9:30am Storytime (ages 3-5) @ Fernie Heritage Library Live Instagram and Facebook Try it at Home Minecraft Mayhem @ Fernie Heritage Library, weekly STEM/DIY for kids Fernie Youth Art Collective @ The Arts Station, 6pm Fernie Options for Sexual Health Clinic Open @ Elk Valley Hospital, 6:30-8:30pm by appointment
Parent-tot Funtimes @ Facebook Page Burger and Beer Night @ The Northern Wing Night @ The Pub
Club Baguette Adultes - Practice Speaking French @ AFRos Fernie via Zoom, 7pm Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub
Wednesdays Curbside Craft @ Fernie Heritage Library, pick up between 12-4pm, Tuesday through Friday Toddlertime (Ages 0-2 years) @ Fernie Heritage Library Live Instagram and Facebook Team Trivia @ The Fernie Meet Draw @ The Legion
Fridays Storytime (ages 0-5) @ Fernie Heritage Library Live Instagram and Facebook Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station Fish and Chips @ The Pub Fish and Chips Take Away @ Fernie Hotel, 4pm Meat Draw @ The Fernie
Thursdays InterActive Hour @ Zoom, 10am Bellies to Babies @ Zoom, 2pm Art History with Jackie Video Launch @ The Arts Station
Saturdays Shawarma Take Out @ Fernie Hotel, 4pm Meat Draw @ The Legion
Many events are subject to Covid restrictions. As things change and evolve, additional events may be added to the calendar. Make sure to stay up to date by visiting FernieFix.com/events Do you have an event to share? Send it to krista@clarismedia.com for inclusion! FERNIEFIX.COM
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Community
FEATURE RESIDENT
Brian Bell by KRISTA TURCASSO WHEN I moved back to Fernie, I was hired to teach Entrepreneurship at the College of the Rockies as part of the Mountain Adventure Skills Training (MAST) program. It was the first I had heard of MAST, but over the next five years I discovered and appreciated the diversity and adventure of this program, its students and the master mind behind it, Brian Bell who has been sharing his passions through MAST as an instructor or program coordinator the last 25 years. Brian is originally from Ontario. “I learned to ski at a tiny hill called Sky High, with two t-bars and two rope tows,” he tells me. I think, sounds familiar as it reminds me of the 80’s in Fernie but I quickly learn the difference between these ‘mountains.’ “It was so fast and so short we could do 100 runs every night!” After graduating from high school, Brian attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay admitting he had no specific career in mind. “I went there because they had three ski hills and the outdoor program sounded fun.” What is interesting is Brian didn’t grow up in and outdoorsy family. “We did some camping when I was little, but not adventurous stuff. My parents were golfers! I was exposed to so much in that first year that I would have never been exposed to otherwise… things I’ve been doing ever since. Rock climbing, paddling… I was introduced to all of it.” After completing the program, Brian began teaching and guiding white water canoeing in Ontario, where he met his future wife, Andrea and had the opportunity to travel. “I did expedition guiding in the Arctic, sea kayak guiding in Belize with Andrea for a number of years… we visited places we may have not spent time in otherwise. I feel
Henry Georgi Photo super lucky that way. I spent a year of my life on the Nahanni River!”Yes, I had to look that up.
Heiko and pay him!” Working for Heiko was Brian’s first job. “He hired me as a lifty, and made me cut my long hair.”
In 1993, the couple were interested in spending a winter in a mountain town. They learned about Fernie from a friend who knew Blair Craig, a fellow paddler who said they had to go check it out. So they did.
When Brian heard that the College was developing an outdoor program, he applied to develop and run the white water program and was hired. “I also taught skiing and rock climbing through the program.” It was 1995, and they recognized Fernie was where they wanted to be so they decided to get into the house market. “It was the smartest thing we ever did,” he shares, adding that the mortgage broker worked her magic to make two ski and paddler
“We were living out of a camper van,” Brian tells me. “It was $10 a night to plug in at the hill and have access to the shower. We would run all over the ski hill to find
bums look good on paper. “We just dove into Fernie life, and things kind of lined up. It seemed right.” Brian off-set teaching with guiding at Fernie Wilderness Adventures. When the MAST coordinator was moving on in ’97, Brian was awarded the position. “For a fulltime gig in Fernie, it’s pretty awesome.” We agreed that when you find a good job here that allows you to continue to pursue your passions, you don’t let it go. Since its inception, it’s fair to say MAST has had a significant impact on Fernie. The number of MAST graduates who have started their own business or work with outdoor operators such as FAR, Island Lake, Fernie Wilderness, Mountain High, Canyon Raft is substantial. Many are now raising their kids here! “I’ve been doing it long enough that I’ve been able to see the whole progression,” Brian says with a smile. I know he’s proud. While the bones of the program haven’t changed, Brian says they are always keeping up with industry standards and adapting to the times. This year specifically, like most schools they have had to shift but it’s been a positive as it has allowed for innovation such as new speakers available to lecture from anywhere in the world. Brian shares that what also makes the program so strong is the local legends who instruct with MAST. “We are really lucky that people like LeeAnne Walker live here and can pass on that information and passion to the students.” Lee-Anne has been teaching Natural History with MAST for 25 years. MAST was also the conduit for the Fernie Mountain Film Festival (FMFF). “It was an idea that Jon Turk and I hatched 15 years ago, and we were able to do it through this program.” This festival was the first film fest in Fernie and quickly became a staple. Regrettably, this year it will take a hiatus as the committee believes it’s all about bringing people together to celebrate mountain culture as a town. “It’s unfortunate, we had some fun films to share,” he says, but next year will just be that much more wonderful.
Outside of MAST and the FMFF, it’s not surprising Brian is a behind the scenes trail builder and maintainer. His passion and dedication for the outdoors and mountain culture is evident through all he pursues, admittedly beginning with the discovery of skiing, ‘it was the gateway,’ he says. And while this continues to be a significant part of his life, Brian has increasingly become intrigued by artistic pursuits. “I secretly idolize artists in town like Laura Nelson and Mel Macvoy, and want to try to be more artistic somehow. I’m not sure how or what that looks like, it’s not something I have had the time to explore but I’m going to stay open and see what happens.” While our passions and interests may ebb and flow, Brian feels it’s essential to always carve time out for “the other stuff.” “Because it’s what’s more important. Sure, you have to make time for work but really the other stuff is what matters. We are so fortunate here that you can make being outside a priority. It’s right there for you. For mental health, community health, it’s one of those things that brings us together.” Thank you, Brian. For sharing your story and your enthusiasm for the outdoors, and your dedication to our community. 1. When did you first arrive in the Valley and what brought you here? On the advise of my tree planter buddy, looking for a good ski town with good paddling we came in 93/94 to spend a winter! 2. Who did you first meet? Heiko was one of the first! 3. Do you remember your first general impression of Fernie? I felt it was small and authentic and filled with a cool mix of loggers and miners and these outdoor fanatics. And there was a tonne of snow. We were still telemarking back then.
4. What keeps you here? The community and that I’ve been lucky to raise my family here. We’ve put down roots and I can’t really think about living anywhere else. We don’t want anything more, we’ve got everything we need. Access to outdoors, right out the backyard every day! I don’t know if I could get that anywhere else. 5. Do you have a favourite Fernie pastime? It’s all seasonal! I have seasonal favourites, but I could never pick one. Biking, climbing, skiing and paddling. I’ve always been a generalist, not focused on one thing and enjoy being able to do everything. 6. What time of the year do you love most in Fernie, and why? The fall for sure. Just running and biking on those golden Larch needle covered trails on a cool day… it’s so magical. I grew up as a cross country runner, and it was always in the fall. There’s something just normal about it. 7. Where do you see or hope to see Fernie in five years? I think the last few years we have experienced a massive boom in tourism and visitors, I hope to see Fernie be able to build up its infrastructure to handle the tourists well. I don’t see it going in any other crazy directions, I just think we need to keep what we’ve got and protect it, and enable tourism to grow as it seems to be non-stop growth. 8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals? The strong Americano is the daily ritual, that’s for sure. And a dog walk, pretty typical. 9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you. I would love to learn to be more artistic. 10. Quote to live by: Either use it or you lose it, or take a walk in the forest everyday. More and more the decompression time in the forest is a code I actually live by. FERNIEFIX.COM
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FIRST AID AND SAFETY COURSES: Our first aid and safety courses are being taught in-classroom with strict safety precautions in place. z Avalanche Skills Training 2 | February 6 z Avalanche Skills Training 1 | February 8 z OFA 1 | February 8 z Forklift Certification | February 13 z St John Standard for Industry | February 16 z Air Brakes | February 19 z Confined Space Awareness | February 22 z Basic Fall Protection | March 1 z Avalanche Skills Training 1 | March 8 z OFA 3 | March 20
Other Face to Face classes z FoodSafe Level 1 | February 12 z CORE Hunter Training | February 20 z CDN Firearms Safety Course | February 27
Be Prepared. Start Here. EXPLORE NEW INTERESTS OR EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS! These are virtual live courses that are taught in web-based classrooms.
z MS Excel Level 2 | February 1
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z MS Excel Level 3 | February 8
z Visual Storytelling | March 1
z Excel, Macros and VBA | February 17 z Intro to Quickbooks Desktop | February 23
For more information on courses, please visit our website at cotr.ca/ConEd or phone 250-423-4691
Community
CITY CORNER
Pandemic Blues by ANGE QUALIZZA I find it hard to believe that we are almost a year into our pandemic response as a country, and as a community. Last spring many of the organizations I work with were struggling with optimism and reality, both tugging at one another until finally, reality won. There would be no conferences, no programming, no festivals and no travelling. Boards everywhere had to restructure their goals and work plans. Working in a constant source of uncertainty adds a lot of pressure and demands even more of our time. Local governments across the province are continuing to react to the ever-changing effects of Covid-19, employees are being asked to take their work home with them and carve out a space to stay productive. To continue to work alongside kids that are home from school, perhaps a relative that might have moved in for safety. People are working at their kitchen tables all day long, only to clear up at the end of day to prepare dinner for their family that is also feeling the stress of the pandemic. It is remarkable to me what is happening in organizations, and all employers should be focusing on mental health in the workplace. Mourneau Shepell’s Mental Health Index, a monthly health index for employed Canadians is showing that workplace mental health began to decline again this fall. No surprise as we headed into our second wave. Isolation, uncertainty and not being able to manage a work-life balance all contribute to how we are feeling right now. For many chasing goals and jobs that come with a lot of responsibility, the phrase worklife balance feels like an impossible idea before the pandemic, and in a pandemic a sentence impossible to achieve.
Submitted Photo We are midway through our annual Fernie Streak where we get outside and move our bodies for thirty minutes a day. Living in a ski town full of adventure partners, I realize I am a bit of a lazy friend. Connecting with people I love usually comes in the form of a bike ride, hike or ski. I rarely call people otherwise. Which means, in a pandemic I really feel fragmented from friends because I have not been doing those things for a very long time. I’ve been using this January Streak to do more than just exercise. I’ve been trying to connect with people, trying to re-establish those relationships. Right now, it is the easy laughter of friendship I miss the most.
Vaccines have arrived, and with that optimism for the first time in a while. We can’t afford to break the rules now though, we aren’t out of this by a long shot. I miss people as much as anyone else, the quiet comfort of sitting at someone else’s kitchen table. If we keep at it though and follow the rules, we will be reunited with the things we all love, the people we love. For those of you working from home right now, parenting from home and supporting your corner of the community from home, you are a hero.
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Community
PLANNING AHEAD
Carving Out a Life by KERRI WALL WHEN life goes according to plan it feels like we are writing the script ourselves. Other times an unknown director is pulling our strings and we can only react to the circumstances presented to us. It’s pleasant when we are in charge of the pageant and driving the plot. It’s annoying and frustrating when we feel like powerless participants in someone else’s show.
Don’t forget fun There is no emotional or mental health without fun.You need fun and so do your kids, no matter how old any of you are. Playfulness helps humans learn and connect with each other, even if it’s just verbal banter or a moment of silly dancing. Children will show us what is fun for them, and invite us to join them. This is vital for their well-being and it lays a foundation of trust.
Carve out time for clarity The great production of living always holds surprises, but authentic personal power lies in our ability to attain mental clarity. The clearer our minds, the better our attention for what matters most. Do you know the story about putting the big rocks in first? It goes like this: if life is a jar and we fill it with the little stuff - demonstrated by gravel and sand and water - there will never be room for the meaningful things. Instead, put the big rocks in first, and then you can add the little stuff afterwards because it will fit around the rocks. By practicing skills like feeling our feelings and separating feelings from thinking, we develop greater mental clarity about our values and goals - the big rocks. Carving out the time for this is essential if you want any control over the screenplay of your life.
Make time for self This one is cliche but that’s because it’s accurate.You must put your own oxygen mask on first! No parent is useful to their kids if they can barely keep their own head above water. Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Many times people have asked me when they see me swimming at the lake or the pool, “What are you training for?” My reply - “life.” As the mom of an active son,
V. Croome Photo
It can be hard to play when our kids are little. Some games don’t come naturally. Try anyway. My son and I spent hours in the woods pretending we were either mountain bike heroes or that he was the mountain bike hero and I was the videographer. I told myself, “play with him now, while he craves your attention and thrives off it, because this is temporary and brief.” Sadly, it really was.
I have always wanted the ability to connect with what interests him.
Carve a masterpiece
The first act of parenting - babyhood - is not too physically demanding (except for the sleep deprivation part). However, parenting’s second act requires almost athletic endurance and emotional labour. You might have to train for that! The third act is the launch into adulthood. I want us all to make it to the third act without collapsing at the finish line.
This will likely be my last column for the Fernie Fix on parenting teenagers. My caretaking is presently needed in Saskatchewan with my ailing father. It is a profound responsibility and privilege to guide our young ones through the fire of the teen years. It is equally important to help a parent transition beyond this material existence. I have massive respect for all who participate in these worldchanging endeavours.
Prioritize your teens This one is tricky because they are often compelled to act like they don’t want us. This is normal and good - they are maturing and differentiating. Remember: they might act like you aren’t important, but it’s not actually true. Don’t forget how valuable they are to you, no matter what they show you. Watch them sleeping. Let your heart melt.
Thank you for reading these 38 articles over the past three plus years. I treasure the opportunity I’ve had to celebrate and support those of us raising the next generation. I have not been a perfect parent and neither are you, but we get to learn together and enjoy the sweetness.
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Recreation and Outdoor Life
KOOTENAY WANDERINGS
The Last Day by SHONA RUBENS WE get to the turn around and shut off the snowmobile. The stillness that follows is like music to my ears and I feel a tickle of pride knowing that I haven’t turned into the “sled neck” my friends were sure I would become when I bought the machine four years ago. It is still simply a necessary tool. A means to an end. Part of me loathes the need for it, and yet part of me appreciates that it is one of the reasons the south Purcells remain a quiet paradise for backcountry skiers. A far cry from the easy accessibility of places like Rogers pass and your typical ski hill slack country. It’s rare for it to be just the two of us. With him working away most of the winter, my ski partners these days are usually women. Days filed with constant jibber jabber, silliness and laughter. It’s different with him. But not in a bad way. After a quick discussion of what zone we want to head to, we put our skins on, shoulder our packs and start to walk. We walk mostly in silence. Speaking when necessary to observe something in the snowpack or note something of beauty in the world around us. It’s a comfortable silence. One that comes from over a decade of adventures and the twist and turns of life. Simply being together in the quiet is more than enough. After a good discussion, we finally decide what to ski and he kindly gives me the honours. I look down at the untouched powder and feel the familiar combination of nerves and excitement. We feel good about our choice for the day, but as always in the backcountry, it is not without risk. The remnants from an older, natural size two on a slope near-by is not lost on either of us and we make a plan for where our next safe zone will be to reconvene.
Submitted Photo I take a deep breath and push off. I know his eyes are glued to me, watching me like a hawk. The first couple turns of the day, as always, come with a slight hint of apprehension before I let myself settle into the bliss that is powder skiing. I used to laugh at the skiers that made numerous tight turns on an open slope, but now, as we truly earn each foot of vertical, I understand that each turn is precious. Each turn providing another opportunity to dive into the snow only to let it burst up around your body like the hug of a cloud. I feel weightless and free in more ways than one as I bounce down the pillowy slope, allowing bursts of glee to escape my lips. When we meet up at the bottom of the slope, the beaming grin on his face and laughter dancing on his lips, betrays his usually calm, steady demeanour. We revel in each other’s happiness as we relive our turns. We head back up to the ridge to find the sun, genial and warm against our skin.
We take time for lunch. A rare occurrence, as we normally want to chew through as many turns as we can. Today is special. It’s the last day of the year. A year that has provided not only us, but the world in general, with incredible challenges and mind-blowing achievements. We take the time to reflect. A tradition we have kept for 12 years now. Reviewing the year and the highlights it has bestowed. We feel lucky that we can come up with so many. After an hour or so, the sun tucks itself back behind its comforting cover of cloud and we deem it time for another lap. The second lap, even better than the first becomes one of the last highlights of the year as we make our way back to the sled and the adventure towards home. When we put 2020 to rest that night, we are comforted by the hope of a new year and the adventures that await.
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Recreation and Outdoor Life
HITTING THE TRAILS
A Breath of Fresh Air in Ridgemont by JULIE KELLY, FTA Time: Approx. 45 mins - 1 hour Distance: 5 km • Difficulty: Blue
but punchy climb before the fun descent. Continue on Roxy Roller, one of Ridgemont’s newer trails which is sure to put a smile on your face. Cross Ridgemont Rd. dropping into Space Unicorn for one last rip on some rollers and berms.
DURING these uncertain times it’s important to carve out time for yourself. Getting outside and hitting the trails is a great way to take a mental break from your daily commitments and boost your energy. A breath of fresh air always feels good! If you are pressed for time, an easily accessible area from town is the Ridgemont trail network, which is frequently groomed in the winter.You can do this fun loop on your bike or on foot. Head up Cemetery By-Pass for a short and gradual climb, stay right on Kiddy Up navigating a number of switchbacks
Submitted Photo and then on to Queen V for a little more climbing. Continue on Eco Terrorist travelling over some boardwalks until you reach Ridgemont Rd. Take a right and a quick left onto Eric’s for a short
Be sure to check TrailForks before you go for all the latest trail conditions. If you have any updates on the status of any trails (ie. conditions, trees down, etc.) from your adventure be sure to share them on TrailForks by creating a report. Help other trail users know before they go. Visit fernietrailsalliance.com to keep up to date and to purchase your 2021 Fernie Trails Pass.
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Health and Lifestyle
FUMBLING FORWARD
Multi-Tasking Success by KATE RICHARDSON IN these busy times, carving out time for yourself, for anything, really, requires a little creativity. Multi-tasking is not something I typically condone, neither is it something I have ever been any good at! But being a new mom has forced me to dabble in it more than ever before. Sometimes intentionally, often not; sometimes successfully, mostly not. It is a work in progress, but one of my favourite and most successful multi-tasking combos to date has been rehabbing/ working out while playing with my son. It’s a great way to make sure I actually do some rehab/strength during the day, provides endless opportunity for creativity, and he loves it! Here are some of our favourites:
Knee Sways
Squat
Dead Bug
Squats: Holding baby at your chest is a great challenge for your trunk posture (don’t let those ribs pop out). Back squats (baby on your shoulders) are also an option but usually open the door for a lot of hair pulling! Roll Up: A great test for those abdominals-in-progress (don’t try this until six months post-partum). Try to roll up from the ground and then back down again one vertebra at a time. The load of your baby in your arms actually helps your body figure out how to get through those sticky spots! Spine Stretch: Same idea as the roll up, but vertical - peel off the wall one vertebra at a time, then re-stack your spine back up the wall one vertebra at a time, all while keeping your sacrum vertical. It’s a great postural muscle activator, and makes baby feel like a king - “all hail baby!” Knee Sways: Those all-important obliques should not be ignored! Holding your baby helps you to keep your chest
Roll Up
Spine Stretch
Overhead Press: Raise baby up overhead without letting your rib cage pop out (imagine a wall behind you, or better yet - use a real wall!). Combine these with a squat for a squat thrust or - with a little extra oomph - the flying baby (my son’s personal favourite)!
Submitted Photos and shoulders flat on the ground, while he “surfs” on your rotating pelvis. Dead Bug: The classic – just switch out a physio ball for a baby!
Overhead Press FERNIEFIX.COM
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Health and Lifestyle
FAMILY WELLNESS
Artfully Improving Your Health by DR TAINA TURCASSO, ND RM THE theme for February is “Carve” which of course refers to the beautiful way we carve the snow with our skis and snowboards here in the Valley but it also made me think about sculpture and art and the impact that art in all forms (creating, participating in, appreciating) can have on your health. Art is defined by Oxford as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power” however a more modern definition broadly includes “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful,” which is the definition we will work with for today’s purposes. Art and beauty are both subject to interpretation and when we are speaking about the potential benefits to your health, what is important is the way it impacts you and your brain. There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to art (or beauty). We talk about art for its entertainment value, consumption, and just plain beauty of it but not often do we think about how enriching it can be. We often seem to actually undervalue art as it is not typically considered to be a core part of education and tends to be the first to go when budgets need to be cut. Unfortunately, art is not only extremely good for your health, but it is especially beneficial to young, growing brains and can even be used as a tool to aid learning of other subjects (even Math). What are the benefits of art? Well, when it comes to art, there are two aspects to consider: creation and consumption. Most of the health benefits we see come as a result of producing art, regardless of the
Adults In adults, creating art primarily benefits mental health. It can be used as a daily tool at home for just enjoyment, relaxation or stress-reduction but will also help to manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Therapists often utilize art in treating a wide array of disorders. Art can also promote an increased sense of well-being in people who don’t have any mental health concerns and it can improve your memory and overall cognition.
Older Adults
V Croome Photo outcome. Here are the benefits of art in three different populations:
Children The benefits of creating art for children of all ages are numerous and include promoting creativity, allowing them to analyze and interpret, learning problem-solving tools, building fine motor skills, improve self-esteem, and promote self-expression. It can also help them to develop communication skills, understanding and interpreting the world around them. Overall, art will help children develop cognitive, creative, social, and emotional skills. It is especially useful to hand over complete creative control to your child and let them fly (with guidance, of course) and to incorporate art into other subjects, including science and math, to better enable consolidated learning. Creating art is also just really fun and it’s one area where there is not one right answer so is such a good opportunity for discovery.
In older adults, as well as for those with chronic degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, the inclusion of art on a regular basis reduces depression and anxiety, offers sensory stimulation, improves cognition, improves communication, and increases self-esteem. It is an essential component to creating a sense of self-worth in a population that is frequently seen struggling to find purpose and meaning in their lives. Creating art clearly has benefits at any age and so does simply enjoying art. It doesn’t have to be something complex like completing a painting to be enjoyed at an art exhibit or creating a piece of music that gets produced and widely distributed for all to hear, but can be something simple like doodling a little sketch, colouring in a book (I have a mandala colouring book), or even writing down a journal entry. It can really be anything that allows freedom of expression and it doesn’t have to take long. Even spending 15 minutes a day (or even 3-4 times a week) will help give your brain a little boost and believe me, 11 months into a pandemic and varying degrees of physical distancing, we all need the help. Stay strong, and stay healthy!
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Health and Lifestyle
THIS IS LIFE
Healthy Habits by TYLA CHARBONNEAU IT is time for an honest check in on how we are really doing. Stress levels are high, exhaustion levels are up, and patience seems to be waning. COVID-19 is a motivating factor for some of us to increase our healthy lifestyles and overall wellness. It has for others become a bit of a crutch and excuse for avoiding healthy choices. An example of this is thinking that it’s okay to eat junk food, drink beer, and lay on the couch watching Netflix all day because of restrictions. All good research on healthy lifestyles, increased energy levels, and stress reducing behaviours point us to three simple aspects: getting good sleep, eating healthy and exercising. The question is, if we know how important these behaviours are why aren’t we doing them? Well, for many reasons. One is that we like quick fixes. If I am feeling down, I know that both going for a walk and eating chocolate will create a cascade of feel good chemicals in my brain. This feeling will last longer if I walk and I am more likely to avoid the guilt factor often associated with eating too much unhealthy food. However, I might pick the chocolate because the feel-good sensation will come quicker and takes less work. Our minds have grown accustom to quick fixes. Old habits are also causing issues. A common response when talking about sleep hygiene practices (ex. screens off an hour before bed, build a routine, no caffeine in the afternoon) is, “Yeah I know, but I am not going to do all that, I need my coffee and phone.” It is an interesting phenomenon to know sleep is important, to know you are not functioning well without it and still not change habits to gain the benefits of it. Sleep is without a doubt the key to our health and we need to make it a priority by revisiting our
Self-worth and comparison to others are also factors. When we avoid exercise because we worry that we are not as good at an activity as those around us we greatly limit ourselves. This can lead to a belief that we are not of value and decreased effort to improve our lives through physical movement. In reality to be healthy we just need to move our bodies. Going outside for a walk is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Dancing for a minute in your kitchen will improve your mood. Chair yoga at your desk on a busy day will decrease your perception of stress. Adding in these small movements is far more effective than remaining stationary thinking about how they are not as good as a more complex or endurance based activity.
Submitted Photo
“All good research on healthy lifestyles, increased energy levels, and stress reducing behaviours point us to three simple aspects: getting good sleep, eating healthy and exercising. The question is, if we know how important these behaviours are why aren’t we doing them?”
Reflect on your own sleep, eating habits, and exercise. What is going well? What could use some improvement? What barriers are getting in the way to maintaining these healthy habits? What would help you to break down one of those barriers? Yes COVID-19 is making our lives different. However, we need to start fighting back against this idea that we cannot do something because of it. We can move our bodies, we do not have to comfort through alcohol or junk food, we can work towards protecting our sleep. The gains we make from these activities will long outlast this pandemic. The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you find yourself in distress, please reach out to your local physician who can provide mental health resources in your community.
old habits and forging new ones such as stretching or meditating before bed instead of scrolling social media. FERNIEFIX.COM
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THE ANSWER GUY
Turn a WRT54G into a Wireless Extender by KEVIN MCISAAC
WIFI at the common 2.4GHz frequency is challenged moving around your house. Metal, water, wood, etc. all weaken the signal. Older style homes with long hallways, many rooms, and multiple floors are particularly challenging for the signal. WiFi is broadcast in a torus (doughnut) shape from your antenna. This means that the signal is strongest with the furthest reach along a perpendicular axis from the antenna. So, ideally, you have your WiFi router in the centre of the house about computer high and that should get most of it. Of course, not every house is configured that way. And that’s why we sometimes need a WiFi repeater or extender. I’ve written about these in the past and included some recommendations in my column then. However, I recently had a need myself for some WiFi extension and didn’t have one. What I did have was an old Linksys WRT54G WiFi router kicking around. These used to be as common as Crocs back in the 2000s. A lot of people have them in old boxes. Some people are still using them. What does this have to do with WiFi extension, you’re wondering. Well, sometimes a router doesn’t have to be a router. Why this matters is this, on small home networks you generally only want one router. Occasionally you want more, such as when you need a separate subnet. Say for example, if you are providing WiFi for a separate suite. But, generally, just one is present. If you have two routers handing out IP addresses on the same network, it may cause conflicts. Now, the WRT54G, like most routers, can have its DHCP Server capability turned off. Once you do that and a couple of other configurations, it’s no longer a router but
“...ideally, you have your WiFi router in the centre of the house about computer high and that should get most of it. Of course, not every house is configured that way. And that’s why we sometimes need a WiFi repeater or extender.” is now extending your existing router’s DHCP capability to its location. This means you can plug in your WRT54G to ethernet, and suddenly all the WiFi equipment is connecting via it back to the main router. Everyone’s on the same network.Yay, Among Us party! Here are the steps to do this. Note, making the same configuration changes on other similar routers may work, but check your router manual first. Before you start you’ll need the IP address of your main router and a computer you can temporarily plug into the WRT54G via ethernet. 1. Reset your WRT54G back to factory settings by holding the reset button for 30 seconds. 2. Plug a computer into a LAN port (not the WAN port) 3. Open up a browser on the connected computer and go to HTTP://192.168.1.1 and sign in with Admin/Admin 4. Go to the Wireless Settings page and change the SSID to be the same as your current main router’s SSID
5. Change the Wireless Channel to 1. This helps avoid radio conflicts with your main router. 6. Under the Wireless Security tab enable security. Probably WPA2 Personal. With a good password! Write it down! 7. Save Settings 8. Go to the main setup page. 9. Under Local IP Address, you’re going to give your router a static IP. I usually pick the high end of my router’s IP. So, if your router’s IP address is 192.168.1.1 then use 192.168.1.254. The “.1.” on your router may be something else, if so just use that. 10.Disable DHCP Server. 11.Under static DNS 1: Enter your router’s IP address. 12.Save settings. At this point, your WRT54G will reboot. Connect the WRT54G to the ethernet that connects to your main router. Make sure to use one of the four LAN ports NOT the WAN port. This is important. Your computer may recognize the change, or it may need to be rebooted to get a new IP address. Once it does you should be able to bring up the WRT54G settings screen again using the Static IP address you used. If anything went wrong, remember you can always reset back to factory settings with a 30-second reset. At this point, you have a Wireless Access Point using an old piece of equipment that was doing nothing. Good job!
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February 2021 by ASHLEY KRISTINA February Planetary Overview • Sun currently in Aquarius and ingresses into Pisces February 18 • New Moon: February 11 -23 degree Aquarius • Full Moon: February 27-8 degree Virgo • Mercury Retrograde January 30February 20 in Aquarius • Venus in Aquarius and ingresses in Pisces February 25 • Mars continues to travel through Taurus • Saturn and Jupiter still in tight conjunction (can still see this in the night sky) in Aquarius • Pluto travels through the last degrees of Capricorn • February 17: First Saturn square Uranus the major theme of 2021 2020 had a theme of Capricorn energy, 2021 has a theme of Aquarius energy and it’s definitely the dawning of Aquarius. 2020 was Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto (The Big 3) travelling in tight conjunction (in Capricorn), moving to travelling Aquarius with three points in the year where Saturn (in Aquarius) squares Uranus (the ruler of Aquarius) in 2021. These outer planets very much affect activity on Earth. Thoughts are manifesting at the speed of lightening and the energy you put out matters. This is the time for humanity. It is all about group dynamics and no longer about the individualistic ways of being and thinking. Saturn and Jupiter continue to move together in the sky, with Pluto not far behind. Three major Saturn-Uranus squares occur this year: 02/17, 06/14, 12/24. It will be fascinating to see how it unravels on Earth.
ASTROLOGY
I will continue to speak of the Saturn square Uranus theme this year. Pay attention to what occurs 02/17.
Aries Chiron, the energy of the wounded healer travels through your sign this month and with Mars travelling in Taurus there is no point rushing. Slow, steady, organized and unconventional is the theme.
Taurus Mars travels in the sky with Uranus and Black Moon Lilith (BML) all month and you might sense this current in your energy. Uranus is the traditional ruler of Aquarius and an electric energy, speeding up what it touches. BML is the shadow side of the divine feminine.
Gemini The north node of the moon is travelling through Gemini. What has happened in your life since the eclipses of November and December 2020? Change will still occur quickly for the next several months. Manifesting ability is high at this time.
Cancer It’s been an intense time for you and this continues in 2021. Security is very important for the well-being of Cancer and Taurus signs. The Crab, your ruling symbol, has learned to carry its home on its back so that he/she feels home, and secure, at all times.
Leo Aquarius is your polar opposite on the zodiac, therefore this time can both be balancing and quite disruptive for you. Trusting this energy and going with the flow is the best way forward.
Virgo You can use this time of air (mental) energy to progress in a special way such as writing a book or documenting how to do something. Do not allow it to create anxiety, instead utilize it to spread your
knowledge for the betterment of a group, community or society.
Libra Spend time this month grounding and being with your emotions to create balance. Meditative activities and routine are helpful to stay centred. Stillness is a practice. Maintaining it is a greater practice.
Scorpio You’re behind the scenes and watching the unraveling. Trusting the path and staying in the highest spheres of love and peace allows your frequencies of energy help this time on earth.You are a great pillar.
Sagittarius What and how you feel at this time is everything. Making room for fun, happytimes and peace are some of the most important moves you can make right now. Follow the energy of what feels good, every moment.
Capricorn This will continue to be a fascinating year and time of growth and learning. Saturn, your ruling planet, squaring Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) occurs February, June and December. This forms a pattern for you.
Aquarius It’s your time to shine Aquarians! The energy of this year is very supportive of your path although you strongly feel the three Saturn squares to Uranus: 02/17, 06/14, 12/24 (most likely as restrictive). Happy birthday!
Pisces Happy birthday to the first decan Pisceans. The last week of the month brings a breath of ethereal energy, allowing you to take a very important breath in. On the breath out, manifest the truth of your heart with the great image in your mind’s eye and blow it over the Earth.
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S OCIA L PAGE
Out in the Community: How do you CARVE out time for that which is important to you? Lindsay Reynolds, Three Sisters Day Spa A. I carve out time for myself by getting out for a x-country ski or reading a good book!
Bruce Nelson, Fernie Fire Rescue A. Fortunately for me, some of the things that are important to me are being outside with my friends/ family. I always try and pursue my outdoor activities with friends or family. Rarely do I go out alone. The social time and outdoor adventure are equally important to me. This past year I have been able to spend even more time doing the family adventures and it has been awesome! Amy DeMarchi, City of Fernie The things that are most important to me often don’t require carving out time. It’s the routine tasks like walking the dog on a beautiful day that remind me it’s the little things in life that bring the most pleasure.
FYI This January, the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie, BC had its Ultrasound service set up and running! “We are so grateful to our wonderful community for fundraising in record time to get this project off the ground,” they said on their Facebook page (Elk Valley Physicians). $300,000 was raised in less than two months, the room was renovated, an ultrasound tech hired and equipment purchased. Well done, Elk Valley! Alpine Canada recognized Fernie legend, Emily Brydon’s World Cup Super-G in St. Moritz, Switzerland in its “100 Peak Moments” celebrating and exploring the most iconic moments in Canadian ski history from 1920 to 2020. “Whether you’re a ski racer or a kid in school or trying to do a great job in your career or raising your family, there’s always going to be a lot of people who say you can’t, and so I think for me there’s a constant reminder that when you believe in something and put in the work, you’ll get that return at some point.” Brydon said to the Fernie Free Press. Griz Days is fast approaching, hosted the first weekend of March annually for more than 40 years celebrating the legendary mountain man who shoots his musket and makes the champagne powder this valley is known for fall from the skies. Oragnizers have been working hard to be innovative in the changing landscape that is COVID. You can expect a drive-in Parade, fireworks, streaming of the Extreme Griz competition, outdoor challenges, the new Legend of the Griz documentary and more! Ferniegrizdays.com The Outdoor Community Rink adjacent to the Fernie Aquatic Centre opened mid-January, thanks to the hard work and diligence of the City of Fernie staff. Open daily from 10am to 10pm for free drop-in public skating. As it is a natural ice surface, conditions vary depending on weather. Staff and volunteers monitor the rink and work hard to manage these conditions to ensure residents can enjoy it safely. Any closures will be posted on site – enjoy!
In January, the third annual #ferniestreak took place. This challenge, which encourages people to get outside for 30 minutes every day in January, continues to grow in popularity and share the benefits of exercise and fresh air. Organizer Abi Moore made it a bit more official this year, with a small fee to register and online tracking, which helped to raise funds for East Kootenay Foundry ($6,755.22 at the time of writing) and encouraged the 459 adults, youth and dogs who signed up to be accountable! “I think this year’s streak was needed more than ever and brought out the very best in our mountain town community – and beyond! Thanks to everyone for the commitment, the camaraderie and the amazing pictures. What do we do in February?” FERNIEFIX.COM
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Fernie Fun
THE LAST PAGE
Griz Days Fun! The Griz was up to lots of shenanigan’s last year! What do you think Griz will get up to this year? Find out during Griz Days, March 5 - 7, 2021. See details here: ferniegrizdays.com
FIND THE Somewhere in this issue is a little Griz pin. Can you find it?
Spot the Difference
Name the Location
Can you find five differences between these two pictures?
Can you figure out where in Fernie The Griz has been hanging out when not deep in the mountains?
Thanks to Tannis McDonald and The Griz for the photos!
Answers Last Month All Kinds of Beauty Mural, Beanpod, The Guide’s Hut, Boxing Club
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Skier: Greg Barnes Photo: Matt Kuhn
